GOT A TAXI ISSUE , TALK ABOUT IT HERE!
As EV’s are not a practical option for the Taxi trade, then at the very least we can expect to have a minimum standard of EURO6 for our vehicles in the near future. In addition to this, we may have to ‘Offset’ our carbon emissions!
This will basically mean that we will have to add some kind of activity to our operations that offsets the carbon we create, such as planting trees with a company like Ecologi (Dragon’s Den).
Cornwall Council have committed to being ‘Net Zero’ by 2030. That means that as they regulate the Taxi & PHV Trade in Cornwall, we are a direct target of that mission, even though we are responsible for a microscopic 0.35% of pollution.
“The EV the Taxi Trade needs, doesn’t exist yet!”
On Wednesdays 7th & 14th September 2022, the University of Exeter held a two-part workshop with members of the Taxi/PH trade, to discuss what the Council want to achieve and why, and how changes can be made to our trade to achieve it. Read more…
As reported in the PHTM Monthly magazine August issue – OUR INDUSTRY IS SHRINKING! The magazine provides a comprehensive insight into how the numbers of both Taxis & PHVs are shrinking, including national statistic tables, and latest numbers for Cornwall – see below…
So what is causing this shrink?
Images and extracts from PHTM – August Issue
It was what appeared to be a reasonbly productive meeting, with 7 trade representatives present, made up of 2 from Newquay, 1 from the Looe/Liskeard area, 1 from Bodmin, 2 from Truro and 1 from Kerrier. The Vice-Chair was absent, but the Chairman was accompanied by 4 licensing officers.
The agenda covered:
Vehicle Specs & Air Quality – licensing is going to hold off on this to await the best practice guidance results, however, it was emphasised by the trade, and taken onboard by the chairman, that vehicle prices have doubled, and with other rising costs this could have a catastrophic effect on our businesses if the wrong policy is put in place. Licensing did state that maybe the best way forward is to look just at a minimum EURO standard, which by 2025 would mean a minimum 10 year old vehicle (EURO6), so hopefully, a workable result can be achieved.
Annual increases – it was agreed that licensing would simply ask each zone if they would like an annual increase every January, and each zone could decide for itself, but at least it is accepted that it will happen and simplify the process greatly.
It was also asked about a discussion that took place at a similar meeting some time ago, when licensing was going to look into whether the trade could take advantage of the Councils own vehicle buying discount deals. Licensing are still going to look into this to see what can be done.
This is Money reported on 26/04/2022 that a leading mechanical engineering group has criticised European governments – including the UK – for plans to axe combustion engine vehicles from the market to meet net zero targets, saying it is fossil fuel that is the real problem.
Plans to allow only new electric vehicles on sale from 2035 is ‘the wrong way to go’ because the internal combustion engine is ‘ecological and economically advantageous,’ the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) says.